“Meet me in the toilets.” She had news, but she didn’t look happy.
I arrived before her.
“There’s no one here. I already checked.” Impatience strained my words as I watched her give each stall door a push. “I know you got a message from Kaaluk. What did it say? Did he give my father the information about Delio?”
“Yes. But he said it’s only hearsay and without hard evidence, it won’t be enough to convince the council.”
“So we’re stuck unless we can find something in Pig’s office that might incriminate Delio.” The futility of our situation left me discouraged and I slumped against the wall. “Did Kaaluk mention anything about your escape?”
“It’s going to happen during Steepchase.” Leika hesitated and glanced away.
“Something wrong?”
She reached out and touched my shoulder. I was puzzled by her concerned expression. “What is it?”
“Your father is missing.”
I slid down the wall indifferent to the hard, cold floor. Leika crouched beside me.
“Did Kaaluk have any details?” I had difficulty choking out the words.
“Premier Delio is blaming the rebels, saying they sabotaged your father’s lander. There were propulsion problems and it went down over the ocean. They’re searching for debris. Kaal blames Delio.” Leika’s voice softened. “I’m sorry, Brynna.”
I remembered the lander faltering on my initial trip to Hypor. I hoped it was an accident. The idea that someone had planned to kill my father was too frightening to imagine.
“When did it happen?” I asked with a choked whisper.
“Late yesterday. There’s still a chance they’ll find him.”
Rescue was possible but I dreaded the thought of my father struggling to stay alive in the cold ocean.
“If they don’t find him, Mother will be vulnerable. I have to go to her.” I surged to my feet, only to sink down again as I struggled to pull air into my lungs. I searched Leika’s face. “Delio’s won, hasn’t he?”
“No he hasn’t.” Leika’s tone was firm. “You have to trust, Brynna.”
“Trust who?” I fought to make sense of her words.
“Trust Kaal and Jarryd and the others who are fighting to save our city and our planet.” Her hand squeezed mine. “There’s nothing more we can do now but wait. We have to put our faith in them.”
Leika led me back to the bunker. I stumbled and doubled over several times. It wasn’t difficult to convince Ruby that I was unwell. I fell gratefully onto my bunk, happy for once not to go to the recpod.
I curled my hand around my necklace and rubbed my thumb over the curved beak of the falcon before tears pushed me into an exhausted sleep.
23
Steepchase Is On
Leika’s sharp elbow prodded my side as we sat with the other women clustered around the video screen watching the government report.
“See?” Steepchase wasn’t canceled as threatened. The evening broadcast declared a date two weeks away. “Nothing to worry about.”
Maybe not for her, but I hadn’t expected the games to be held so soon. I’d have to focus on my swimming, which I’d neglected or perhaps subconsciously avoided.
Stick’s replacement continued his presentation.
“The Premier is pleased to announce that the rebel opposition has been dealt a fatal blow and is on the verge of collapsing. It is believed that one of the leaders has been killed.”
Groans and curses reverberated through the bunker.
Dizziness obscured my thinking. “Are they talking about my father?”
“He isn’t a rebel leader.” She leaned forward. Her white-knuckled hands gripped her knees. “I’m more worried about Kaal.”
“Or maybe Jarryd.” I stared at Leika but she was focused on the screen.
“Listen, there’s more.”
“Finally, we regret to report that two esteemed members of the council are missing. Councilors Bokk and Vasch were over the ocean when their lander experienced difficulties. Premier Delio suspects that the rebel force is responsible. Rescue teams are searching the site of the accident.”
Despite knowing about the crash beforehand, the official announcement was like a body blow. I wrapped my arms around my waist and hunched slightly, taking several deep breaths. It took a moment to process Councilor Vasch’s involvement.
“If Marta’s father is also missing, it means that Delio has full control of the council.” I dreaded the possible consequences.
“What did you say?” Leika turned to me. “Who’s Marta?”
“Jarryd’s girlfriend—fiancée. Her father and mine opposed Delio on Council. They were working to expose his true plans.”
“I hope she’s gone into hiding. With her father missing, she’ll be vulnerable if she’s still on Hypor—just as you are.”
“I’m no threat to Delio in here. I’m more concerned about Mother. And Jarryd.”
“You’ll still have to be careful. If Delio is responsible for your father’s disappearance, he’ll want to ensure that there’s no one to raise suspicion, or seek revenge.”
“I hope he’s forgotten I’m here.”
“I doubt it. Certainly, Pig hasn’t.”
Next morning, while I was eating, Ruby made a noisy entrance. Instead of her regular outfit, she was dressed in padded clothing, wore thick-soled boots and carried a rucksack.
“Bokk, get over here. Fast.”
The news about Father had kept me awake most of the night. I was slow to respond, but her scowl got me moving. I gulped down one last mouthful of breakfast, then hurried to her.
“Steepchase participants are being moved to a special area near the recpod. Grab your gear. You’ve got five minutes.”
Ruby’s voice had been loud enough for Leika to hear. In fact, everyone had, but only Leika approached me.
“Now you’ll really have to be careful.” She spoke quietly as I gathered my few belongings. “Use this if you have to.” She pressed a small knife against my palm.
I hugged her and was about to leave when I remembered the diary. It might be discovered if I took it to the recpod. There was only one choice.
“Hurry up, Bokk,” Ruby yelled from the doorway.
Leika turned her back to Ruby and faced me. “What’s wrong?”
“Remember that night in the toilet?” I whispered, continuing to fiddle with my gear.
“Your secret all-nighter?” Leika grinned.
“I was reading a diary. It’s hidden under my bed. I can’t take it with me. Will you hide it? It’s important.”
“Yes, of course. Better go. Ruby is starting to smolder.”
“Thanks. Take care. I’ll miss you.” I hugged her tightly.
Her voice cracked when she spoke. “Remember what I said. Even though you have a pact with Pig, Ruby is still your enemy.”
In the recpod, the men’s sleeping quarters were cordoned off to the left of the aquatic area. As the only female competitors, Ruby and I slept on folding cots in the women’s change room. She moved her bed as far from mine as possible, which I preferred as well. From a distance, I could still feel her enmity.
While she’d demanded my presence during training, now I rarely saw her until she returned at night. I always pretended to sleep through her noisy arrivals but my stomach tensed with her every move. We never spoke.
The first morning at the track, none of the competitors looked familiar so I steered clear of them. I headed for the aquatic area, but my intention to practice Weyland’s breathing techniques died when I noticed several guards in the pool. Leika’s warning rang loud in my head and I hadn’t forgotten being restrained under water. I gravitated to the other areas with fewer contestants and where I felt less susceptible to attack.
The bright and airy recpod didn’t alleviate the depression that came with my loneliness. I missed my family, Marta, Weyland and now Leika. A tiny bathroom mirror confirmed my red-rimmed eyes, swollen from tears I’d shed for m
y father.
During the day, I channeled my sorrow into my workouts. At night, dark images pestered my thoughts until exhaustion granted me blessed sleep. The same question always loomed. Would I ever see my family again?
On the fourth day of training, as I slipped into my exercise gear, I felt an abrasion on the back of my right shoulder. That morning, I’d awoken with my necklace trapped under my shoulder. I’d felt a sharp poke as I arose. Now, my skin felt hot to the touch.
I traced the swollen patch with my finger. It was awkward to see so I pulled the skin and my shoulder forward to examine the area in the small mirror. It was my birthmark, the falcon, reddened with irritation.
I started to hum and pressed my hand over the area to ease the inflammation. Something stirred in me and I felt the warmth sear my palm. My spirit strengthened with resolve. I promised myself that I would gain my freedom and somehow return to my island to protect my mother.
The morning of Steepchase, I dressed alone as usual in my exercise gear and used a scarf to tie back my hair. I noticed that Ruby’s bag and clothes were gone. We’d been instructed by the officials to meet near Swigs, so I headed out to join the other competitors. At the last minute, I extracted Leika’s knife from its hiding place under my bed and pushed it down the side of my right boot.
Barely through the door into the practice area, I heard a rumble of laughter from the group of contestants. The men were dressed in thick trousers and belted tunics. Some, like Ruby, had also donned padded vests. All wore thick-soled boots and carried helmets and gloves. Various tools hung from their belts. They appeared ready for more than just an athletic competition. They looked ready for combat.
With only my thin exercise clothes and a small knife, I wasn’t prepared for what I was about to face.
“Hurry up, Bokk or the hydrofoil will leave without you,” yelled Ruby.
For a moment, staying behind sounded like the best option.
24
The Games Begin
The hydrofoil ripped across the water.
The ride to the Steepchase dome was over before I had time to decide if my knotted stomach was from my fear of water or because of the upcoming competition, but I suspected both were involved in my discomfort.
From the outside, the Steepchase dome and dock resembled the one at the laundry. We disembarked and I followed the other competitors through a rock-like tunnel toward a bright prick of light. As we progressed, the dot of light opened. A steady chant penetrated the walls, eventually swelling to a deafening pitch. A frenzied crescendo of voices greeted the first contestants as they exited the dark tube, and it continued until I emerged.
A thousand pairs of eyes peered from tiers of seats that ringed an arena. Above the crowds, gigantic video screens relayed our every move. Gold, black and red flags and banners flapped in the open air. On another occasion, the spectacle might have been exciting and entertaining, but today it only increased my trepidation of what was to come.
I didn’t realize I’d stopped moving until a smiling female attendant in a red juba walked alongside and threaded her arm with mine. She whispered “good luck” as we headed toward an area thick with officials in ceremonial robes. Premier Delio sat on an elevated platform draped with red garlands.
Three rows back, Prince sat with Calia at his side. Sunshine glistened on her silver juba. As she turned her head, jewels flashed from her hood. The vivid memory of her betrayal rushed back and I forced down the sour bile that flooded my mouth. I couldn’t allow anything to distract me from my purpose, not even Calia.
Delio lifted his hands and the crowd went silent. “Today is a momentous day. The rebel faction has been routed and Hypor City is once again under council control.”
The premier paused and waited for a reaction, but there were no cheers, just low murmurs. He scowled for a moment, but his smarmy smile returned as he continued addressing the crowd. “Once again, we are gathered to watch the best contestants…”
As he spoke, I turned my focus to the Steepchase course.
Positioned at the edge of a sandy track with the other contestants, I saw only a plane of small undulating dunes. An impenetrable wall of dark green foliage framed each side. In several places, heavy branches from the larger trees dipped to touch the sand, but otherwise the area was desert bare. At the far end of the golden expanse, through an opening in the trees, massive rock walls stood silhouetted against the sky. Even at a distance, they appeared taller than any I’d attempted at the recpod.
I surveyed the line of competitors in their battle dress. Feeling exposed and vulnerable in comparison, I forced myself to remember that the extra clothing meant extra weight. I clung to the idea that I might have an advantage.
My courage wavered. I fought shallow breaths, trying for calm. Then an itch on my right shoulder reminded me of the promise I’d made to myself. I straightened; more determined than ever that Ruby must win Steepchase.
“Let the games begin.” Delio flapped one arm and took his seat.
The crowd roared their approval.
An official presented each opponent with a quiver holding two arrows. I’d expected an archery challenge but why just two arrows? And where was the bow?
The others seemed unconcerned, so I followed their lead and slung the strap across my chest, pushing the quiver onto my back.
A pair of gloves landed at my feet. I tried to locate the benefactor but there were too many faces. I’d never needed gloves in the recpod, but except for the little information Jarryd had given me, Steepchase was an unknown. I pushed the gift into the quiver along with the swim goggles I’d slung around my neck.
A gold-sashed official climbed onto a platform at the side of the track and raised his hand. The reverberation of a thousand voices pulsed around the arena as the spectators waited for the red starting flag to be tossed into the air. Suddenly, it floated free.
Ruby surged ahead and I followed. She zigzagged diagonally. I looked across the field and noticed that the others were running in lines of three using the same motion. Only one was on his own and running straight for the far opening.
My strategy was to gain an advantage at this early stage. I was lighter and easily drew alongside Ruby. She looked surprised. Suddenly she veered and swung her leg across my path. I leaped sideways to avoid her thrust but was horrified when the ground gave way. Something sucked at my right foot, then my ankle, then started to swallow my leg.
Quicksand.
I glanced toward Ruby but she didn’t look back. She’d known what to watch for and to follow specific paths. So had the other experienced challengers. Only one other ran alone. He now flailed hopelessly as the fine dry sand pulled him down, his weight working against him. I heard his frantic screams. Then he was silent.
The cheering swelled.
The other contestants opened their lead as I struggled.
Sharp granules scraped my left leg. I wasn’t sure what to do. I’d heard the myths—lie flat, or use a swimming motion—so I tried both. When the sand reached my hips, I panicked and shouted for help, but no one responded. I looked for a branch, but there was nothing nearby. The crowd roared again when I sunk deeper.
Engulfed to my elbows, I clawed the sand, desperate to free myself. My nails raked something hard. A tree root, thin but strong, provided a lifeline.
My muscles screamed as I pulled myself hand over hand along its rough length. I kicked my legs free then rolled. Exhausted, I collapsed onto firm warm sand. After a few deep breaths, I scrambled to my feet. There was no one in sight, just several trails of footprints. I followed one, desperate to make up time and locate Ruby. I hadn’t expected her early attack and would be more cautious next time. For the sake of my deal with Pig, she had to win. I knew she hated me, but my freedom was at stake.
At the far end of the dunes, the trees opened onto an obstacle course that fronted the climbing walls. Not far ahead, competitors scaled a series of rocks. I quickened my pace and raced across the hard ground.
&nb
sp; The first challenge was an incline of staggered boulders. Much like my mountain path at home, I was able to sprint and jump from one to another at the lower levels. The sand trap, however, had tapped my energy and the higher leaps were tougher than expected. Several times, I had to backtrack and find an easier route.
One search for a better trail brought me close to a precipitous edge. Fifty feet below, a body lay awkwardly splayed on the ground. I peered over the edge, searching for movement. There was none.
Had he lost his footing? Taken an unnecessary risk? Or been the target of another competitor? I shuddered at the thought.
From a higher rock ledge, a noise drew my attention. I looked up into a scowling face. The helmet was gone and the man’s unkempt hair gave him the look of a wild beast.
A large curled fist swung toward my head, but I ducked and his thrust went wide. The man growled and looked around. He was barring my way but unless he climbed down, he couldn’t reach me. I crouched and waited. Eventually, he pulled back. Several seconds passed before I heard retreating footsteps crunching across the rock. I sucked in a deep breath. I’d been luckier than the dead man.
My legs shook with fatigue as I resumed climbing. Finally cresting the highest boulder, I was relieved to see the descent was a staircase of spiraling plateaus.
I set off at a steady pace following the line of the inside curve. My breathing slowed and my speed increased. Twenty feet from the ground, angry voices erupted from below.
My heart battered my ribs as I flattened against the granite. For several minutes, scuffling and grunting sounded beneath me. My cheek pressed cold stone as my pounding pulse thrummed a deafening beat in my ears. Rapid footsteps were followed by angry shouts. Eventually, there was silence.
I edged forward until the combatants came into view.
One man was fleeing toward the rock walls. Another lay on the ground, his hands and feet tied. Blood trickled from a cut on his cheek, but otherwise he seemed unhurt. He spat curses as he struggled with his bonds.
The Last Singer (The Falcon Chronicles Book 1) Page 18